50PA-330 Manual (Rev C)

JFW Industries, Inc.
50PA-330
OPERATING MANUAL
JFW Industries, Inc.
5134 Commerce Square Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46237
Phone (317) 887-1340
sales@jfwindustries.com
50PA-330 Manual, Rev C, 05-27-08
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Table of Contents
Section Number/Description
Page #
1.
Introduction
3
2.
Remote Command Set
4
3.
Ethernet Mode
13
4.
RS-232 Mode
14
5.
JFW Test Program
15
6.
Scripts
17
7.
FAQ's
20
Additional Documentation Provided with Operating Manual:
1. Outline Drawing
2. Specification Sheet
3. Sample Ethernet Configuration Session
4. Startup Information for Ethernet/RS-232 Test Systems
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1. Introduction
The JFW model 50PA-330 test system consists of four solid-state programmable attenuator that covers
the frequency band 200-6000MHz. The unit is controlled remotely via Ethernet or RS-232. The unit is
manually controlled on the front panel using the keypad and LCD display. There is a slide switch on the
back panel that allows the user to select between either Ethernet or RS-232 mode. The programmable
attenuators can be set from 0 to 63dB in 1dB increments. The attenuators are set to maximum attenuation
(63dB) when the unit is powered on.
In addition to this manual a CD is also provided. The CD contains the following:
1)
50PA-330 Manual.PDF
2)
50PA-330 Specification Sheet.PDF
3)
50PA-330 Outline Drawing.PDF
4)
JFW Test Program (50PA-330.exe)
5)
Sample Ethernet Configuration Session.PDF
Mechanical Specifications
The 50PA-330 is designed in a 19" rack style enclosure. The outline drawing details all necessary
package dimensions and connector layouts. The unit is AC powered via a 3-prong receptacle on the rear
panel. A standard power cord is supplied with the unit. The power supply itself is a universal AC power
supply that can handle input AC voltages 100-240 VAC (47-63 Hz).
The 50PA-330 is also AC current protected by use of a 2 Amp “Slo-Blo” AC fuse. The fuse is field
replaceable in the event of any failure to the fuse. The fuse itself is a 5x20 mm “Slo-Blo” type fuse and
can be ordered through JFW or directly from Littelfuse. The Littelfuse part number is #215-002. The
JFW part number is #025-021.
Manual Control
The manual control is achieved with the keypad and LCD on the front panel of the unit. To change from
remote mode to manual mode, press the “1” button on the keypad. In manual mode you have three
options: press “1” to go back into remote mode, press “2” to set the attenuator to a new value, or press
“3” to read the current attenuation setting.
If the unit is connected remotely to a user in Ethernet mode and you switch to manual mode, the unit will
close that Ethernet connection before starting manual mode. While in manual mode, no remote Ethernet
connections are allowed.
If the unit is in RS-232 mode and you switch to manual mode, the unit will stop executing RS-232
commands that it receives. When you switch back from manual mode to RS-232 mode, all RS-232
commands that were received while in manual mode are deleted from the buffer.
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2. Remote Command Set
The following command set is used for both Ethernet mode and RS-232 mode. The command set consists
of the following commands:
1)
Identification
2) Change Baud Rate
3) Set Attenuator
4) Read Attenuator
5) Fade Attenuator
6) Feedback Fade
7) Handover
8) Variable Handover
9) Feedback Handover
10) Pause
If you send a remote commands to the unit that is not properly formated, then you will receive one of the
following error messages.
Error1
Command is formatted incorrectly.
This error occurs if characters other than IDN, CB, SA, RA, FA, HND or VHND
appear in the buffer.
Error2
Attenuator address out of range.
This error occurs if the attenuator address is not 1-4.
There are 4 total programmable attenuators in this test system.
Error3
Attenuation value out of range.
This error occurs when the attenuation value is not 0-63dB.
The attenuation range for this test system is 0-63dB x 1dB.
Error4
Interval time out of range.
This error occurs when the interval time of the fade attenuator command is
not 1-9999.
Error5
Interval time not properly formatted.
This error occurs when a "M" or "S" does not follow the interval time for the
fade attenuator, handover, or variable handover commands. The "M" formats
the interval time to milliseconds. The "S" formats the interval time to seconds.
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1) Identification Command
Syntax:
IDN <CR>
<CR> = carriage return
Description:
This command returns the identification information for this system and is followed by a
carriage return and a line feed. It will list JFW Industries Inc, followed by the JFW model
number and the firmware revision level.
Examples:
IDN <CR>
Returns “JFW Industries Inc., Model 50PA-330, Firmware Rev B <CR> <LF>”
Notes:
Command is not case sensitive, but must be terminated by a carriage return.
2) Change Baud Rate Command
Syntax:
CBx <CR>
x = new baud rate
<CR> = carriage return
Description:
This command changes the baud rate of the unit. The current baud rate is displayed on the
LCD while in remote mode.
Examples:
CB9600 <CR>
CB19200 <CR>
CB38400 <CR>
Notes:
“x” must be either 9600, 19200, or 38400.
Command is not case sensitive, but must be terminated by a carriage return
Changes the baud rate to 9600 baud
Changes the baud rate to 19200 baud
Changes the baud rate to 38400 baud
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3) Set Attenuator Command
Syntax:
SAx y <CR>
x = attenuator number to control
y = attenuation value to set the attenuator to
<CR> = carriage return
Description:
This command sets attenuator “x” to “y” attenuation in dB.
Examples:
SA1 0 <CR>
SA1 8 <CR>
SA1 45 <CR>
SA2 63 <CR>
SA4 30 <CR>
SA4 3 <CR>
Notes:
“x” must be 1-4 (there are 4 total attenuators in this test system).
“y” must be between 0 and 63 (attenuation range is 0-63dB x 1dB).
Command is not case sensitive, but must be terminated by a carriage return.
Sets attenuator 1 to 0dB.
Sets attenuator 1 to 8dB.
Sets attenuator 1 to 45dB.
Sets attenuator 2 to 63dB.
Sets attenuator 4 to 30dB.
Sets attenuator 4 to 3dB.
4) Read Attenuator Command
Syntax:
RAx <CR>
x = attenuator number to query
<CR> = carriage return
<LF> = line feed
Description:
This command returns the attenuation setting for attenuator “x”.
Examples:
SA1 22 <CR>
RA1 <CR>
Sets attenuator 1 to 22dB.
Reads value of attenuator 1.
Sends back “Atten #1 = 22dB <CR> <LF>”.
SA2 0 <CR>
RA2 <CR>
Sets attenuator 2 to 0dB.
Reads value of attenuator 2.
Sends back “Atten #2 = 0dB <CR> <LF>”.
SA3 63 <CR>
RA3 <CR>
Sets attenuator 3 to 63dB.
Reads value of attenuator 3.
Sends back “Atten #3 = 63dB <CR> <LF>”.
Notes:
“x” must be 1-4 (there are 4 total attenuators in this test system).
Command is not case sensitive, but must be terminated by a carriage return.
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5) Fade Attenuator Command
Milliseconds Interval Syntax: FAx y z tM <CR>
Seconds Interval Syntax:
FAx y z tS <CR>
x = attenuator number to control
y = starting attenuation value
z = ending attenuation value
t = interval time
M = interval time format set to milliseconds
S = interval time format set to seconds
<CR> = carriage return
Description:
This command fades the attenuator number “x” from “y” dB to “z” dB in “t” interval time.
The intervals can be formatted to be in milliseconds or in seconds depending on if there is
a “M” for milliseconds or “S” for seconds following the interval number. The fade
attenuator command allows the user to fade the attenuation up or down.
Fading Up:
FA1 0 63 300M <CR>
Fade attenuator #1 from 0dB to 63dB in 1dB steps
with 300 milliseconds between steps.
FA1 31 60 1S <CR>
Fade attenuator #1 from 31dB to 60dB in 1dB steps
with 1 second between steps.
FA2 55 60 1M <CR>
Fade attenuator #2 from 55dB to 60dB in 1dB steps
with 1 millisecond between steps.
Fading Down: FA2 60 7 5S <CR>
Notes:
Fade attenuator #2 from 60dB to 7dB in 1dB steps
with 5 seconds between steps.
FA4 9 2 50M <CR>
Fade attenuator #4 from 9dB to 2dB in 1dB
steps with 50 milliseconds between steps.
FA2 60 55 1M <CR>
Fade attenuator #2 from 60dB to 55dB in 1dB steps
with 1 millisecond between steps.
This command can fade attenuation up or down.
“x” must be 1-4 (there are 4 total attenuators in this test system).
“y” must be between 0 and 63 (attenuation range is 0-63dB x 1dB).
“z” must be between 0 and 63 (attenuation range is 0-63dB x 1dB).
“y” and “z” should not be set to the same attenuation value.
“t” must be between 1 and 9999.
Command is not case sensitive, but must be terminated by a carriage return.
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6) Feedback Fade Command
Milliseconds Interval Syntax: FFAx y z tM <CR>
Seconds Interval Syntax:
FFAx y z tS <CR>
x = attenuator number to control
y = starting attenuation value
z = ending attenuation value
t = interval time
M = interval time format set to milliseconds
S = interval time format set to seconds
<CR> = carriage return
Description:
The only difference between “Fade Attenuator” and “Feedback Fade” is that the “Feedback
Fade” sends back the current setting of the attenuator as the attenuation is incremented.
This command fades the attenuator number “x” from “y” dB to “z” dB in “t” interval time
while sending back the current attenuation setting for each change in attenuation. The
intervals can be formatted to be in milliseconds or in seconds depending on if there is a
“M” for milliseconds or “S” for seconds following the interval number. The fade
command allows the attenuator to fade from a low dB value to a high dB or from a high dB
value to a low dB value.
Example:
FFA1 7 12 500M <CR>
Fades attenuator #1 from 7dB to 12dB in 1dB steps with 500 milliseconds between steps.
When the attenuation is incremented, the current attenuation (along with a carriage return
and a line feed) will be sent back to the user as shown below.
“Atten #1 = 7dB <CR> <LF>”
“Atten #1 = 8dB <CR> <LF>”
“Atten #1 = 9dB <CR> <LF>”
“Atten #1 = 10dB <CR> <LF>”
“Atten #1 = 11dB <CR> <LF>”
“Atten #1 = 12dB <CR> <LF>”
Notes:
This command can fade attenuation up or down.
“x” must be 1-4 (there are 4 total attenuators in this test system).
“y” must be between 0 and 63 (attenuation range is 0-63dB x 1dB).
“z” must be between 0 and 63 (attenuation range is 0-63dB x 1dB).
“y” and “z” should not be set to the same attenuation value.
“t” must be between 1 and 9999.
Command is not case sensitive, but must be terminated by a carriage return.
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7) Handover Command
Milliseconds Interval Syntax: HNDx y tM <CR>
Seconds Interval Syntax:
HNDx y tS <CR>
x = attenuator number to start at 0dB (steps up to 63dB)
y = attenuator number to start at 63dB (steps down to 0dB)
t = interval time
M = interval time format set to milliseconds
S = interval time format set to seconds
<CR> = carriage return
Description:
This command fades attenuator number “x” from 0dB to 63dB in 1dB steps while fading
attenuator “y” from 63dB to 0dB in 1dB steps. The interval time is from 1-9999. The
intervals can be formatted to be in milliseconds or in seconds depending on if there is a
“M” for milliseconds or “S” for seconds following the interval number.
User Note:
The first attenuator (“x”) always starts at 0dB and steps up to 63dB. The second attenuator
(“y”) always starts at 63dB and steps down to 0dB. If you want the attenuators to start and
stop at values other than 0dB and 63dB, then use the Variable Handover command.
Examples:
HND1 2 300M <CR>
Fades attenuator #1 from 0dB to 63dB in 1dB steps.
Fades attenuator #2 from 63dB to 0dB in 1dB steps.
Interval time is 300 milliseconds between steps.
HND1 2 50M <CR>
Fades attenuator #1 from 0dB to 63dB in 1dB steps.
Fades attenuator #2 from 63dB to 0dB in 1dB steps.
Interval time is 50 milliseconds between steps.
HND2 1 1S <CR>
Fades attenuator #2 from 0dB to 63dB in 1dB steps.
Fades attenuator #1 from 63dB to 0dB in 1dB steps.
Interval time is 1 second between steps.
Notes:
“x” must be 1-4 (there are 4 total attenuators in this test system).
“y” must be 1-4 (there are 4 total attenuators in this test system).
“x” and “y” should not be set to the same address number.
“t” must be between 1 and 9999.
Command is not case sensitive, but must be terminated by a carriage return.
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8) Variable Handover Command
Milliseconds Interval Syntax: VHND Av Aw Vx Vy TzM <CR>
Seconds Interval Syntax:
VHND Av Aw Vx Vy TzS <CR>
v = attenuator number to start at low dB value (steps up to high dB value)
w = attenuator number to start at high dB value (steps down to low dB value)
x = start value for attenuator “v”
y = start value for attenuator “w”
z = interval time
M = interval time format set to milliseconds
S = interval time format set to seconds
<CR> = carriage return
Description:
This command fades attenuator number “v” from “x”dB to “y”dB in 1dB steps while
fading attenuator “w” from “y”dB to “x”dB in 1dB steps. The interval time is from
1-9999. The intervals can be formatted to be in milliseconds or in seconds depending on if
there is a “M” for milliseconds or “S” for seconds following the interval number.
User Note:
Attenuation “x” must be less than attenuation “y”. This means that the first attenuator
must start at the low attenuation value and the second attenuator must start at the high
attenuation value.
Examples:
VHND A1 A2 V0 V63 T300M <CR>
Fades attenuator #1 from 0dB to 63dB in 1dB steps.
Fades attenuator #2 from 63dB to 0dB in 1dB steps.
Interval time is 300 milliseconds between steps.
VHND A1 A2 V5 V31 T1S <CR>
Fades attenuator #1 from 5dB to 31dB in 1dB steps.
Fades attenuator #2 from 31dB to 5dB in 1dB steps.
Interval time is 1 second between steps.
VHND A2 A1 V15 V32 T50M <CR>
Fades attenuator #2 from 15dB to 32dB in 1dB steps.
Fades attenuator #1 from 32dB to 15dB in 1dB steps.
Interval time is 50 milliseconds between steps.
Notes:
Attenuation “x” must be less than attenuation “y”.
“v” must be 1-4 (there are 4 total attenuators in this test system).
“w” must be 1-4 (there are 4 total attenuators in this test system).
“x” must be between 0 and 63 (attenuation range is 0-63dB x 1dB).
“y” must be between 0 and 63 (attenuation range is 0-63dB x 1dB).
“z” must be between 1 and 9999.
Command is not case sensitive, but must be terminated by a carriage return.
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9) Feedback Handover Command
Milliseconds Interval Syntax: FHND Av Aw Vx Vy TzM <CR>
Seconds Interval Syntax:
FHND Av Aw Vx Vy TzS <CR>
v = attenuator number to start at low dB value (steps up to high dB value)
w = attenuator number to start at high dB value (steps down to low dB value)
x = start value for attenuator “v”
y = start value for attenuator “w”
z = interval time
M = interval time format set to milliseconds
S = interval time format set to seconds
<CR> = carriage return
Description:
The only difference between “Variable Handover” and “Feedback Handover” is that the
“Feedback Handover” sends back the current setting of both attenuators as their attenuation
is incremented.
This command fades attenuator number “v” from “x”dB to “y”dB in 1dB steps while
fading attenuator “w” from “y”dB to “x”dB in 1dB steps. The intervals can be formatted
to be in milliseconds or in seconds depending on if there is a “M” for milliseconds or “S”
for seconds following the interval number.
Example:
VHND A1 A4 V050 V53 T3S <CR>
Fades attenuator #1 from 50dB to 53dB in 1dB steps. Fades attenuator #4 from 53dB to
50dB in 1dB steps. Interval time is 3 seconds between steps. When the attenuation is
incremented, the current attenuation settings (along with a carriage return and a line feed)
will be sent back to the user as shown below.
“Atten #1 = 50dB <CR><LF>”
“Atten #4 = 53dB <CR><LF>”
“Atten #1 = 51dB <CR><LF>”
“Atten #4 = 52dB <CR><LF>”
“Atten #1 = 52dB <CR><LF>”
“Atten #4 = 51dB <CR><LF>”
“Atten #1 = 53dB <CR><LF>”
“Atten #4 = 50dB <CR><LF>”
Notes:
Attenuation “x” must be less than attenuation “y”.
“v” must be 1-4 (there are 4 total attenuators in this test system).
“w” must be 1-4 (there are 4 total attenuators in this test system).
“x” must be between 0 and 63 (attenuation range is 0-63dB x 1dB).
“y” must be between 0 and 63 (attenuation range is 0-63dB x 1dB).
“z” must be between 1 and 9999.
Command is not case sensitive, but must be terminated by a carriage return.
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10) Pause Command
Milliseconds Interval Syntax: PAUSExM <CR>
Seconds Interval Syntax:
PAUSExS <CR>
x = duration of time to pause
M = interval time format set to milliseconds
S = interval time format set to seconds
<CR> = carriage return
Description:
This command pauses the test system for “x” duration of time. The time duration can be
set from 1-9999. The time duration can be formatted to be in milliseconds or in seconds
depending on if there is a “M” for milliseconds or “S” for seconds. The pause command is
useful when sending scripts to the test system and you want a timed pause between other
remote commands.
Examples:
PAUSE100M <CR>
Test system pauses for 100 milliseconds.
PAUSE15S <CR>
Test system pauses for 15 seconds.
Notes:
For pauses of less than 10 seconds, JFW recommends using the millisecond format.
“x” must be between 1 and 9999.
Command is not case sensitive, but must be terminated by a carriage return.
Script Example:
FA9 5 2 1S
PAUSE4000M
FA9 2 5 1S
Fades attenuator #9 from 5dB to 2dB at 1 second/step.
Test system pauses for 4 seconds (4000 milliseconds).
Fades attenuator #9 from 2dB back to 5dB at 1 second/step.
2dB
2dB
3dB
3dB
PAUSE4000M
4dB
4dB
0
FA9 2 5 1S
FA9 5 2 1S
5dB
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Time (seconds)
Script Notes:
Each command in a script is executed sequentially.
You can send hundreds of commands in a single script.
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9
5dB
10
11
12
3. Ethernet Mode
The 50PA-330 is Ethernet controlled via a standard RJ-45 Ethernet connector on the rear of the unit. The
test system has seven remote commands. The remote command format and examples can be found in the
“Remote Command Set” section of this manual. The command formats are the same for either Ethernet
or RS-232 control. If commands are sent incorrectly to the unit, you will receive an error message. The
attenuators are set to maximum attenuation when the unit is powered on.
The slide switch on the back panel allows the user to select between either Ethernet or RS-232 control.
The unit must be turned off and then back on, when changing between Ethernet and RS-232 control for
the change to take affect.
Ethernet Configuration Information
This unit comes programmed to the following Ethernet settings:
I.P. Address
Gateway
Netmask
Port
192.168.1.250
192.168.1.1
255.255.255.0
3001 (hard-coded into the unit and can not be changed)
An additional document “Sample Ethernet Configuration Session.PDF” comes with this manual and is
located on the CD in PDF format. This sample session shows step by step example of how the Ethernet
port is configured.
Open up a terminal session through your computer’s COM port using a program like HyperTerminal.
You must use a Null Modem cable (JFW part #012-174) to make the physical connection from your COM
port to the “Ethernet Config. Port” on the rear of the 50PA-330. The terminal session should use the
following COM port settings:
Baud Rate
Data Bits
Parity
Stop Bits
Flow Control
9600
8
None
1
None
You can verify a successful connection by typing “show” in the terminal window. You should receive an
echo back from the 50PA-330. The commands listed below can then be used to change the network
properties.
SHOW
SHOW ETH0
SET IP xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
SET NETMASK xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
SET GATEWAY xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
SET NAMESERVER xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
Displays the Gateway setting
Displays the IP address and Netmask settings
changes the I.P address
changes the Netmask
changes the Gateway
changes the Nameserver
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4. RS-232 Mode
This unit is RS-232 controlled via a standard 9-Pin D connector on the rear of the unit. The test system
has seven remote commands. The remote command format and examples can be found in the “Remote
Command Set” section of this manual. The command formats are the same for either RS-232 or Ethernet
control. If commands are sent incorrectly to the unit, you will receive an error message. The attenuators
are set to maximum attenuation when the unit is powered on.
The baud rate can be set at 9600, 19200, or 38400. The current baud rate is displayed on the front panel
by the LCD. To change to a different baud rate, the remote command "change baud rate" must be sent.
This remote command is fully described in the "Remote Command Set" section of this manual.
The slide switch on the back panel allows the user to select between either RS-232 or Ethernet control.
The unit must be turned off and then back on, when changing between Ethernet and RS-232 control for
the change to take affect.
RS-232 Cable
Included with the system should be one “Null Modem” cable (JFW part #012-174). This cable is used to
interface with the RS-232 Port. This cable is DE-9P to DE-9S and is the “Null Modem” type. The female
connector will plug into the serial port on most PC’s, and the male connector will connect to 50PA-330.
This cable can also be bought from L-Com (L-Com #CSNULL9MF-10).
RS-232 Port Settings
When sending commands to the 50PA-330, your computer’s RS-232 port settings must be configured as
follows. The baud rate must be set at 9600, 19200, or 38400. The parity must be set to “none”. The data
length must be set to “8” data bits. The stop bit must be set to “1”. If your RS-232 port is not configured
with these settings, the 50PA-330 will not receive and execute the commands sent. It will not send back
an error either, because communication was never established.
BAUD RATE
PARITY
DATA LENGTH
STOP BITS
FLOW CONTROL
9600
none
8 bits
1
none
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5. JFW Test Program
Nothing has to be installed onto your computer in order to run the JFW test program. Just copy the
program (50PA-330.EXE) from the CD that comes with this manual to any location on your computer.
You will see the commands you send displayed in the “Data Sent” window and any response from the test
system in the “Data Received” window. In addition to the remote command set of the test system, JFW
has provided the following functionality to the test program:
Send Typed Command
Allows you to send any ASCII message you want to the test system. Just type your message in the text
box and click on the Send Message button. Your Message is displayed in the “Data Sent” window.
Loop Command
This command is meant to be used with the Fade Attenuator, Handover, or Variable Handover
Commands. Just type your command in the text box and click the Start Loop button. The test system will
keep processing your command in an endless loop. A loop count will be displayed while the command is
looping. The loop count will reset back to 1 when it reaches four billion and will continue looping. It
will not stop until you click the Stop Loop button.
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Keypress Attenuator
Allows you to easily step attenuation up or down for a specific attenuator number.
Oscillate and Slide
This window allows the user to perform two operations. The first operation is attenuation sliding. By
using the slider bar, you can easily and quickly adjust the attenuation value of all four attenuators. The
slider bar can be controlled using the mouse pointer, mouse wheel, or left/right arrow keys. When the
attenuation is changed the new attenuation value is displayed next the the attenuator number.
The second operation is attenuation oscillation. Each attenuator has it's own specific start value, stop
value, step size, and interval time. When you click on the Start Oscillating button, the attenuation will
just oscillate between the start/stop values according to the specified step size and interval time.
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6. Scripts
Script FAQ's
1)
What is a script?
A script is a text file (.txt) that lists multiple remote commands. Notepad for Windows can be
used to generate the text files. Terminal programs such as Hyperterminal for Windows can be
used to send the text file to a test system via Ethernet or RS-232.
2)
Why would I want to use scripts?
You have a test that will be run repeatedly and it uses the same remote commands each time.
Using a script saves you from having to type in the same set of remote commands over and
over.
3)
How does the JFW test system execute a script?
All remote commands listed in a script are executed sequentially. When you send the script
the terminal program lists all of the remote commands sent in the terminal window. The JFW
test system stores all of the commands in a receive buffer. It reads the first command and
executes the command. Only when the first command is fully executed does the test system
read in the second command. Each command is read in and executed sequentially until all of
the commands in the receive buffer are gone.
4)
How many remote commands can be in one script?
JFW has tested scripts on Ethernet test systems and RS-232 test systems that contain as many
as 1000 remote commands in a single script.
5)
What happens if I send a second script before the first script is completely processed?
The commands contained in the second script will be seamlessly processed after all of the
commands in the first script have been executed.
6)
How do I terminate each remote command in my text file with a carriage return?
When you use the “enter” key to go to the next line it will include a carriage return and line
feed in the text file. This means that each line of the text file should contain only one remote
command.
7)
Why does the last remote command in my script does not execute?
The last command is not properly terminated with a carriage return. You must press the “enter”
key at the end of the last remote command to add a carriage return in the text file.
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Script Example
Step 1: Generate the Text File
For this example Notepad for Windows was used to generate the below text file. Every remote command
is listed on a single line so that there is a carriage return terminating each remote command.
Step 2: Connect to the Test System
Hyperterminal for Windows was used to establish an Ethernet connection with the test system.
Step 3: Send the Text File
Select “Send Text File” from the Transfer tab.
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Step 4: Select the Text File
Hyperterminal prompts you to select your text file.
Step 5: Waiting for the Remote Commands to be Processed
The remote commands in the text file are sent and listed in the terminal window. Each command is
executed sequentially until there are no more remote commands in the receive buffer. The “3dB” text
does not show up until the first read attenuator command (RA2) is complete. The “127dB” text does not
show up until the second read attenuator command (RA2) is complete.
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7. FAQ's
If you are reading this page because you are having problems with a JFW test system, please contact JFW
at 317-887-1340 or sales@jfwindustries.com. One of our engineers would be more than happy to help
you troubleshoot the unit and get you back on track.
Why won't the unit turn on?
Check the fuse on the back panel. This fuse is rated at 250 Volts/2 Amps. The fuse should be replaced
with Littlefuse #215-002 or JFW part #025-021.
How do I find out the revision level of my firmware?
Right after the unit is powered on, the firmware revision level is displayed on the LCD. The firmware
revision level is also included with the information sent back from an “identification” remote command.
I just switched from Ethernet mode to RS-232 mode using the switch on the back panel, but I am
still in Ethernet mode. Why did the mode not change?
You must turn the unit off and then back on for the change to take affect.
Why won't the unit respond to my Ethernet commands?
Verify the following settings: IP address, Gateway, Netmask, and Port Number. Remember that the Port
Number is hard-coded to 3001 and can not be changed. Check you command format in the “Remote
Command Set” section of this manual.
Why is the unit not responding to my Ethernet port configuration commands?
The Ethernet is configured using the “Ethernet Config. Port” on the back panel. It is a RS-232 port. You
must use a Null Modem type RS-232 cable. You must use the following RS-232 port settings with this
port: baud rate (9600), data bits (8), parity (none), stop bits (1), flow control (none).
Why won't the unit respond to my RS-232 commands?
Verify the following RS-232 settings: baud rate, parity (none), data bits (8), and stop bits (1). The
current baud rate is displayed on the front panel by the LCD. Check you command format in the “Remote
Command Set” section of this manual.
Why don't I get a response from the unit when I send the remote command “RA9”?
All remote commands must be terminated with carriage returns. Attach a carriage return to your
command string right after the “9”.
I sent a remote command and received back “Error1”. What does “Error1” mean?
This error occurs if characters other than IDN, CB, SA, RA, FA, HND or VHND appear in the buffer. A
complete list of error codes is listed in the “Remote Command Set” section of this manual.
I think the internal AC/DC power supply has failed. Is there any way to verify it?
Check the DC voltage levels at the terminal block. JFW typically uses the following color codes for our
DC wires: red wire = +5 Vdc, green wire = -5 Vdc, blue wire = +12 Vdc.
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